Social media is another world. A world that can be freaking overwhelming at times. I know I’m right so I’m not even asking the “amiright?” question. Today, we’re talking about arguably the most popular social media platform: Instagram. While I’m far, far from an expert, I have seen some small growth in the last few months and want to share my non-secret secrets.

Before I continue I want to get a few random things off my chest:

Does Instagram matter in the big scheme of life? LOL…NO. But I’m in the camp of “have fun with it!” because there are some serious benefits to social media if you do it authentically, which I will address.

Is there one right way to run or grow an Instagram account? No. For some, this information could be common sense or insignificant.

If you find yourself in a comparison trap (happens to me!) then simply log off social media and take a break. Done, done, done.

Good? Let’s do it.

I’ve had an Instagram account for my blog since October 2014, however, it wasn’t until this January that I started getting serious. By serious, I mean using the platform more strategically and purposefully. That seriousness resulted in growing by 4,500 followers in the last six months. More than that, I’ve built a community and seen an increase in overall post engagement (likes and comments).

Is this a huge or rapid growth? Not at all.But steady growth? Definitely.

Let’s get one thing straight: while “numbers never lie,” numbers are NOT the end all be all of success. Of course, I say this as a someone with a small blog and small social media following, but I’ve learned to gauge success by other measures. This method might not be for everyone (I’m not making money off my account ((yet)), which people do), but I find it toxic to get caught up in numbers. My main criteria? Engagement.

I think truly engaging with other accounts has been key to my Instagram growth.

By true engagement, I mean:

Reaching out to OTHER accounts and writing authentic, meaningful comments.

Responding to comments on my posts.

Interacting with brands through tags, hashtags and comments.

I’d rather have a smaller number of followers but get a good response on individual photos. You know some accounts that have 15,000+ followers but get 100 likes? Something doesn’t add up. Similar to my blog, I value my Instagram community. I value the connections I’ve made with other people. I appreciate the story-telling, both visual and through captions. Yes, it takes time to comment and respond (I typically give more attention to that area during the weekdays and break on weekends) but it’s been worth it for me.

One specific tool that has helped me realize and grow toward my fullest Instagram potential is the e-course Influence with Instagram. Created by three Instagram experts (Rachel, Georgie and Christina), this course is for anyone, blogger or not, looking to develop a signature style. Plus, if you have a burning question, this course likely has the answer.

Influence with Instagram

What is it?

“It’s a 5-part self-guided e-course teaching you exactly how to build your influence on Instagram.”

How has it helped me?

Along with the e-course, which includes a full audio deck, visual lectures and more, you gain access to the Influence With Instagram Facebook group. Basically another amazing place to ask questions and run ideas by fellow bloggers/Instagrammers. As High School Musical so eloquently stated, “we’re all in this together.” There’s enough room for everyone to succeed, and this course and the creators’ guidance proves just that.

Other things I’ve learned:

-The best photo editing apps

-What hashtags to use for different types of photos

-How to “set the scene” of a photo and tips for iPhone photography

-Tips for working with brands (and eventually seeing an ROI, whether through blog traffic or sponsored Instagram posts)

I’m proof that growth CAN happen, but it typically takes time and admittedly some strategic effort (all described in this e-course!). No, I haven’t nailed it yet….for example, I should post more frequently (I only have a total of 262 posts) and still have many pictures that aren’t as “successful” as I had hoped. However, it’s a fun challenge and one I will continue to tackle. And, don’t worry, the Behind the Instagram posts aren’t going anywhere :)

If you have an Instagram account or are looking to start one, I highly recommend Influence With Instagram. *If you use the links in this post (here, for reference) you will receive 20% off the full price of the course.* More than just the concrete and proven tips, you’ll get the support and reassurance in your quest to find your unique style. Let me (or Rachel, Georgie or Christina) know if you have any additional questions.

*Disclosure:This post contains Influence With Instagram affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase via the links in this post, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.*

Join the conversation:

What is your favorite social media platform?

How often do you post on Instagram? I aim for at least once a day, particularly during the week.

Comments

Instagram is definitely my favorite and I still find it the most fun platform to work with! These are all great tips and I think engagement as well is so important. It truly makes a difference. I try to post once a day and that goest for all 4 accounts I manage…LOL! There is only so much scrolling my thumbs can do…Great post friend! XOXOACKTIVE LIFE recently posted…Natalie’s Orchid Orange Beet Smoothie

I love instagram, but I almost wish there was a separate “professional” instagram for the beautiful pics so that I can keep my tragic contributions separate from them. I love seeing the gorgeous things, but I miss the unstaged days. And Snapchat is too filtery for me.Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Atlanta Wedding Weekend with Friends and Family

I love your photos and thats a huge growth! I guess I like to share parts of my life too that aren’t picture perfect, so to speak, so it ruins the whole beautiful look. I do need to make more of an effort. I loveeeee yyour photos on Insta! ::)heather @Lunging Through Life recently posted…Annabelle : 8 Months

You have been killing the Insta game lately — I love it! I think engagement has to be the biggest thing to Instagram, not just in growing followers, but in creating an engaged following that trusts and values your opinion. I always get so confused when I see huge 10k+ accounts that can barely get 100 likes and I am just like, what? That doesn’t make sense.Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Strawberry Coconut Water Vodka Slushie

You take awesome photos, Emily! I’m so glad you’re seeing the results you want. Thanks for reminding me to go back in finish up Influence with Instagram. I loved the beginning, but totally got sidetracked, and I’d like to focus on that this summer :)Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…No-Cook Zucchini Noodles with Quick Italian Dressing

This is awesome! I think it’s better to have a slow and steady growth to remain authentic and keep engagement rates up. Also, I love that even though I personally have a smaller amount of Instagram followers, I find the same people coming back and commenting which totally makes my day:) Instagram is by far my favorite social media channel since I love the visual aspect of it. I post 1-2x a day now with various hashtags which has seemed to help me grow significantly these past few months. These are some great tips to keep in mind!

I love Instagram however I keep it a mix of personal and blog so I’ll never want or have the effort to make every photo curated and perfect. Cheers to tie success!Lauren recently posted…Pre-Marathon Training Feelings in Gifs

These are really great tips–especially the engagement piece! I really enjoy the conversations that an Instagram picture starts about what’s going on in someone else’s life.

I always struggle with wanting to post only staged, pretty pictures, or just posting random pictures of pieces of my life. The Influence with Instagram course sounds like a great investment for growing a blog, though, even if I’m not going to post beautiful things 100% of the time–perhaps I’ll have to invest in it (after I’m done being a poor college student, lol)!Claire @ My Pink & Green Life recently posted…Recipe: Almond Butter & Honey Energy Bites {GF/DF/RSF}

I’ve been blogging for a few months (here and there, solely for fun!) but have made no effort to grow my blog or connect with anyone. Which basically defeats the purpose of putting my blog out in the world! Haha. I would love to eventually grow my account, but I’ve realized I have no ‘brand.’ I like too many things and post about any random thing that pops in my head. This is great advice, and I’ll be checking out that link! (Ps-I love your posts and pictures, I get so many great food ideas!!)

I was really on the fence about purchasing this course, just because of financial limitations right now. But reading your review and seeing your growth I know that it’s what I need. Love your instagram account and website! Such an inspiration. I hope to learn a lot from you and the BGB girls!

This is really encouraging!!! I’m still very new and small, but I’ve really chosen insta as my main platform and have seen awesome results. It is so encouraging to have the same people visiting, liking and commenting and my growth has been really steady (but still small). I’m always refreshed to hear that it’s not the numbers that count, but the relationships you form! Thank you for your advice, and purchasing the course is def on my list of investments!!!

Instagram is def my favorite. I have a pretty small following, but am trying to grow it. It is hard when you see some photos that are gorgeous and then you look at yours…def fall into the comparison trap sometimes. I love you tips! It is definitely about having a good community rather than thousands of followers!Kelly @ Eat the Gains recently posted…Chilled Roasted Tomato & Red Pepper Soup

I love your instagram account Kelly. I fall into the comparison trap as well – I want beautiful photos so that I can stand out and be noticed, but it is hard and takes a lot of time. I definitely see a change in my own photos since I started only a few months ago. The community is what makes the difference – feeling empowered and motivated by others!Leslie McDonald recently posted…Roasted Carrots with Brown Butter Ghee

It’s awesome to see how much you have grown! I always love your captions ;)
Instagram is definitely my favourite social media platform. Twitter comes a close second because I feel like it is a whole other secret world which is awesome.Megan recently posted…Monday must-reads!

I actually really love Instagram. I love it because I love looking at FOOD PORN and like-minded people’s food hahahahaha! My entire feed is just straight up FOOD!GiGi Eats recently posted…HOT DOG! These Are Good!

Thanks for all of the insta tips emily! Congrats on your growth! i definitely want to put more time and effort into capturing better photos and adding better filters, etc. I really need to make it a priority to comment more on other photos and check in on what my other blogger friends are doing! Thanks for the reminder!

Instagram is my favorite social media by far! Mine is growing slowly but surely. I could probably do more for growth, but honestly I don’t want a perfectly curated account.Hannah recently posted…Hiking near Rocky Mountain National Park

Instagram is definitely the social media platform which I use most often and feel I have the best engagement with. That being said, I know I could hone in on my community and increase visibility with this E-book! I think the one thing I would struggle with most is getting my feed to look “uniform” as I kind of like having a variety of backdrops and images featuredCayanne Marcus @healthyezsweet recently posted…Help! I Don’t Feel Recovered “Enough”

Trackbacks

[…] Instagram Growth + Tools for Success from My Healthish Life – I haven’t used the program she’s talking about, but it sounds pretty awesome! Most people that have put effort into Instagram for their blog, business or brand knows how difficult it can be sometimes (unless you are an Instagram unicorn!) and I love the tips she shares on here! […]

Hi, I’m Emily!

A twenty-something lover of long runs, home cooked meals and my dogs. Join me on my journey to find a mostly healthy balance in food, fitness and life.